Model 247-B
Radiation Survey Meter
Victoreen Model 247-B Radiation Survey Meter
Click above photograph to see in "as received" condition.
The ranges of the Model 247B were 0- 50 mR/h, 0-500 mR/h, 0-5 R/h and 0- 50 R/h.
The range switch also has a 'sensitivity check' & 'zero check' positions.
The battery switch has On / Off / Check positions. A zero adjust knob is under the handle.
Serial Number: 507
Uses Two batteries: See Photographs Below
One - 300 Volt Industrial "B" battery (NEDA 722)
One - 45 Volt "B" battery (NEDA 202)
The entire unit is made of cast aluminum, and is waterproof.
The case has a rubber gasket between the two parts, and the controls have dual
"o-ring" gaskets on the shafts through the case.
A Little History of The Model 247
The Model 247 was designed as a rugged, waterproof version of Victoreen’s first ion
chamber survey meter, the 241 known as "“little black suitcase.”
The 247 was developed and produced in during World War II as part of the secret
Operation Peppermint. Operation Peppermint’s mission was to counter the use of
radioactive materials by the Germans against the Allied invasion of Europe.
The thickness of the case of the Model 247A meant that it was only responsive to gamma rays.
The ranges of the Model 247A the Model 247C were:
0-2.5 mR/h, 0 – 25 mR/h, 0 – 250 mR/h, and 0 – 2500 mR/h.
The ranges of the Model 247B and Model 247D were:
0- 50 mR/h, 0-500 mR/h, 0-5 R/h and 0- 50 R/h.
The difference between the Models 247A and B, and the Models 247C and D, was that the
Models C & D had a removable cover over the ion chamber.
The removal of the cover improved the response to x-rays.
These were made from the 1940's to 1950's
Control Panel
Before and after new paint.
See views of underneath below.
Inside Views
No corrosion on the battery boxes, just a little surface rust on some components.
This is not a Civil Defense model, the vinyl sticker was cut from something
and stuck to the side. I don't know what the "79" means.
The right side had a typewritten piece of paper that says "Stock Number 8WWA-698625"
It was stuck on with a piece of tape.
Close-Up Of Meter
Before and after new paint.
Right Side & Top View
Before and after new paint.
The dimensions of this unit is: 9½" long x 13" high x 5" wide
Uses Two batteries:
One 45 Volt "B" battery (NEDA 202)
One 300 Volt Industrial "B" battery (NEDA 722)
Top views showing the connections for the batteries.
Battery Dimensions:
On Left - NEDA 202 : 3½" x 1¾" x 5½"
On Right - NEDA 722 : 2½" x 2" x 3¾"
View under the control panel.
State Of The Art Electronics
for the 1940's & 1950's